Leetsdale Plans Public Hearing on Proposed Gas Drilling Ordinance

Council will hold a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Thursday pertaining to gas and oil drilling.

Paul Scimio, borough manager, said a hearing seeking public comments is part of the adoption process for such an ordinance and must take place before any regulations are approved. 

Scimio said he can't imagine a place in the small borough would suffice as the hot spot for a drilling operation.

"I don’t know that Leetsdale has a site that would be big enough anywhere for somebody to drill. It's just one of those things where we have to have an ordinance," he said. 

As Marcellus Shale drilling spreads to , are putting to regulate potential oil and gas drilling while protecting the general health, safety and welfare of residents.

Leetsdale’s proposed ordinance addresses a number of factors, including drill-site design and installation, local road usage and permissible hours of operation.

Under the ordinance, Scimio said oil and gas drilling would be considered a “conditional-use" permit and any requests would have to come before council.

“We’re not being approached by anybody so far who wants to drill,” Scimio said.

In addition to a permit, the ordinance would require permit-holders to begin drilling or developing within one year after approval, with the possibility of a one-year extension, or the permit would be automatically rescinded.

The ordinance would also require water analysis before and after drilling, and acommunity and environmental impact analysis prior to any drilling.  

Penalties are also spelled out for ordinance violations, including fines, court costs, and attorney fees for anyone found liable in the local magisterial court.

“We’re not giving these guys free reign to do what they want,” Scimio said.

The proposed ordinance is on display at the .